Two men were stabbed multiple times by black clothed and masked assailants, a court heard.
The victims spent were taken to hospital and placed in induced comas and admitted for several weeks of treatment.
A 30-year-old man suffered stab wounds to the stomach, left leg and left hand while a 37-year-old man was stabbed to the stomach, chest, and head.
The attackers who launched the unprovoked attack have been jailed for a combined 48 years.
Remi Loader and Jacob Montique spotted their victims while drinking in a bar in the city on the evening of August 20, 2021.
The pair plotted their attack before leaving the bar and walking to Montique’s vehicle where they changed into black clothing and donned facemasks.
Armed with weapons they returned to the city and hid within Market Square until their victims arrived.
Loader and Montique were captured on CCTV ambushing the two men stabbing them multiple times in an unprovoked attack.
Loader was arrested by officers that night and Montique two days later.
The court heard that emergency services were called, and the two victims were found nearby where they received medical treatment.
Both were taken to Addenbrookes’ Hospital where they were placed in induced comas and admitted for several weeks of treatment.
Doctors revealed their injuries would have been fatal without medical intervention.
More than a year on and their recovery to full health continues.
The pair were both found guilty of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, following a four-week trial at Cambridge Crown Court in April.
At Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday (October 28), Montique, 19, of Bishops Road, Trumpington, was sentenced to 21 years in prison and Loader, 27, of no fixed address, was given a 27-year sentence.
Detective Sergeant Hamish Cowley said: “Loader and Montique are both high harm, prolific offenders who have caused fear within their communities.
“This was a planned and premeditated attack, believed to be motivated by revenge from a previous incident, with one using a large hunting knife.
“Both victims were fortunate to survive the attack.
“This was an extremely complex investigation with limited witnesses or forensic opportunities.
“With the help of CCTV and mobile phone evidence we were able to place the pair at the scene and this dangerous duo will now be locked away from the public for a considerable amount of time.”